Green Grilling: ABCs of an Eco-Friendly BBQ

There’s no doubt that summertime is grilling season—we look forward to those distinct, fiery smells and hot off the grill flavors. But what kind of damage are we doing by firing up the grill? On the Fourth of July alone, an estimated 60 million barbecues light up nationwide, consuming enough energy to power 20,000 households for an entire year. And this number doesn’t even take into account the waste of paper, plastic, and food that goes into barbequing.

Whether looking to purchase a new grill, or stock up on supplies for your next backyard get-together, use these five buying guidelines to find the best equipment for you and the planet.

Top 5 Green Tips

1. Green your grill

Conventional charcoal burns dirty and produces greenhouse gases. If you have a charcoal grill, look for organic or natural lump brands. Natural gas is the most energy-efficient; however, infrared grills are the greenest as they heat quickly, use the least energy, and use less gas than regular gas grills.

2. Avoid toxic materials

Grills made of cast iron or stainless steel are the safest because they remain non-toxic at any temperature. Watch out for models made from chrome-coated aluminum, which can become toxic if the aluminum oxidizes. Stay away from lighter fluids, which release VOCs into the air.

3. Stay size appropriate

Be sure your grill fits your needs—the larger the grill, the longer it takes to heat and the more energy it expends. When stocking up on supplies, be sure to know how much you need. Confirm how many people you are catering for in advance so you avoid wasting food.

4. Set an eco-friendly table

If you can’t use reusable dishware, cutlery or napkins, choose biodegradable, recycled , or unbleached picnicware. Fill your menu with greener options by choosing USDA certified organic or local grass-fed meat. If you’re a vegetarian, try certified organic soy hot dogs and burgers.

5. Keep it green when you clean

Keep your grill in top condition by scrubbing it down after use with an all-natural grill cleaner. If you serve bottled or canned refreshments, be sure to have recycling bins on hand. Have leftovers? Box them up in glass or stainless steel food storage containers.